Deerpark 9/11 memorial service 'brings us together'

Friday

Sep 27, 2013 at 2:00 AM

As it has each year since tragedy struck American shores on Sept. 11, 2001, the Town of Deerpark held a memorial service on the 12th anniversary of the attacks to remember the losses and the heroic actions that followed.

Sharon E. Siegel

As it has each year since tragedy struck American shores on Sept. 11, 2001, the Town of Deerpark held a memorial service on the 12th anniversary of the attacks to remember the losses and the heroic actions that followed.

"We will pause for a moment of silence at the time the first plane hit, at 8:46 a.m., and we must always remember the sacrifices of heroes and the losses we suffered that day," said Town of Deerpark Supervisor Karl Brabanec, who acted as master of ceremonies for the event. "We have placed monuments at our town hall and will continue to observe this day and to help to tell this story to future generations."

Orange County Legislator Dennis Simmons praised the actions of those who gave selflessly to help others following the attack.

"If there is anything I am able to take away from this, it is how good and kind we were to each other as Americans after this attack," he said. "I try to always make it a point to try a little harder to understand what other people are going through, and to make this a day of renewal each year."

Brangati also shared the story of a personal loss in his family. His 36-year-old cousin, Karen Elizabeth Hagerty, was working on the 103rd floor of Tower 2 and lost her life that day. Brangati praised the heroic actions of rescuers who tried to save her.

"It's not easy for the families, I can tell you. My cousin had hopes and dreams and had done so much to help others each day of her life," Brangati said. "We are grateful that people like each of you remember her and the other victims, and those who worked so hard to help them."

One retired firefighter spoke of the personal loss of brother firefighters that day, and the emotion of working on the lengthy recovery process at Ground Zero.

"Many that lost their lives were probies that I had helped to train," said Joe Rennish. "I knew what they were likely doing as they ran into the building that day. It is very difficult still, and likely always will be. I think about them every single day."

Dozens of firefighting, police, EMT, and local governmental, school and community groups were on hand to share the anniversary remembrance, which organizer Flo Santini says she sees as a way to heal.

"It brings us together to remember and to help each other," Santini said. "That is why we must always do this."